Outdoors
Gear for birding, hiking and backpacking, chosen on optics, weight and safety facts from official sources.
Every pick at a glance
| Guide | Best overall | Budget / value | Premium / alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binoculars | Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 | Celestron Nature DX 8x42 | Vortex Viper HD 8x42 |
| Backpacking water filters | Sawyer Squeeze (SP129) | Sawyer Mini | Katadyn BeFree 1.0L |
Guides
Best overall: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42
The best binoculars for birding
8x42 is the sweet spot. Here are three pairs worth owning at three price levels.
Best overall: Sawyer Squeeze (SP129)
The best backpacking water filter
Light, fast and field-cleanable, plus what filters can’t remove.
Free tool
Binocular exit pupil & twilight factor calculator
Compare 8x42, 10x42 and others on brightness and low-light detail.